Celebrating Women in Fintech: Trailblazers of October
This October, The Fintech Times shines a spotlight on the remarkable women making waves in the fintech industry. Despite women comprising only about 30% of the workforce in this sector, many are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. In this article, we delve into the inspiring career journeys of five influential women: Nikhita Hyett, Meeri Savolainen, Juhie Kapoor, Laura Rofe, and Bronwyn Boyle. Each of them shares their unique experiences and insights into their unexpected paths into fintech.
Nikhita Hyett: From Journalism to Fintech Leadership
Nikhita Hyett, the Managing Director for Europe at BlueSnap, began her career as a journalist. For a decade, she traveled the globe, covering significant events and interviewing high-profile figures, including former President Barack Obama. However, after the birth of her first child in 2012, Nikhita realized that her passion for writing had waned.
Her husband’s career in fintech opened her eyes to the sector’s rapid growth and innovation. “The first company I worked for, Global Blue, took a gamble hiring a showbiz hack to manage some of their most important accounts,” she reflects. Nikhita believes that her journalism skills—storytelling, communication, and relationship-building—have been invaluable in her fintech career, allowing her to navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence.
Meeri Savolainen: Innovating in Insurance
Meeri Savolainen, founder and CEO of INZMO, initially pursued a career in law, graduating with an MA from the University of Tartu in Estonia. After joining Ernst & Young as a corporate lawyer, she found the work too safe and craved more innovation and responsibility.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Meeri co-founded Bike ID, an international bike registry aimed at combating theft. This venture led her to discover the potential of online insurance services, prompting a pivot to create INZMO, an online B2B2C insurance agent. “I wanted to lead and develop my own team and achieve something bigger,” she explains, showcasing her commitment to innovation in the fintech space.
Juhie Kapoor: A Journey from Banking to Content Leadership
Juhie Kapoor, the Director of Global Content & Communications at Taulia, began her academic journey in biology. However, she soon realized that lab work wasn’t her calling. To fund her travels, she took a job at a bank, which serendipitously led her to a career in fintech.
“Meeting Taulia was a turning point for me,” Juhie shares. “I fell in love with their innovation, people, and marketing approach.” After nearly five years with the company, she appreciates the agile and youthful environment that allows her contributions to make a tangible impact.
Laura Rofe: Navigating the Fintech Landscape
Laura Rofe, Director of Partner Development at PPRO, reflects on the unexpected nature of her journey into fintech. “Most people in payments and fintech will say they ‘never expected’ to end up in this industry,” she notes. Laura’s career began with a graduate program at Australia’s largest bank, but her move to London in 2012 required her to take a step back to find her footing.
Grateful for the experience, Laura has explored various verticals within fintech, from local payment methods to international transactions. Her journey exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required in this ever-evolving field.
Bronwyn Boyle: Championing Cybersecurity in Fintech
Bronwyn Boyle, Chief Information Security Officer at Mambu, started her career as a software developer during the dot-com boom. Her passion for coding soon led her to recognize the importance of integrating cybersecurity into software development. This realization prompted her to pursue an MSc in Security & Forensic Computing.
With over 20 years of experience in technology and security within financial services, Bronwyn is passionate about how fintech is transforming banking and promoting financial inclusion. “I oversee the security of Mambu’s banking-as-a-service platform,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring secure and innovative financial services.
Meitra Aycock: Embracing the Unexpected in Tech
Meitra Aycock, Senior VP of Operations at Corpay, took an unconventional route to her current role. With a background in German Language and Literature and a concentration in art history, she never envisioned a career in technology. However, her early exposure to data centers, thanks to her father, a retired CIO, sparked an unexpected interest.
“I always said I had no intention of pursuing a career in technology, but here I am loving it!” Meitra’s journey highlights the diverse paths that can lead to success in fintech, proving that passion can emerge from the most unexpected places.
These women exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience in the fintech industry. Their stories not only inspire others but also underscore the importance of diversity and representation in shaping the future of finance. As we celebrate their achievements this October, we look forward to seeing how they continue to influence and transform the fintech landscape.